Extension lock switch ignition coil



Sept 1939, a... 0. PARKER EXTENSION LOCK SWITCH IGNITION COIL Filed Aug. 3, 1935' 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORY ATTORNEY L. O. PARKER Sept. 19, 1939.

EXTENSION LOCK SWITCH IGNITION COIL 3 Sheets-Shet 2 Filed Aug. E 1935 NV ENTOR [Es/2 0 Fa r/rer TM ATTORN EYS Sept. 19, 1939 L0. PARKER EXTENSION LOCK SWITCH IGNITION COIL Filed Aug. 3, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR lies/(e a Fa rkEr' j 7 J1 BY J; ATTORNEYZ Patented Sept. 19, 1939 2,173,612 EXTENSION LOCK swrrcn IGNITION con.

Leslie 0. Parker, Anderson, Ind., assignor to General Motors Corporation. Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application August 3, 1935, Serial No. 34,556

6 Claims.

This invention pertains to theft preventing devices in and about automotive vehicles, and is more particularly directed to that class of ignition equipment known as extension lock-switch 5. coils. An extension lock switch coil, as used on an automobile, comprises a key operated switch enclosed within a casing from which extends a flexible metal conduit or armor enclosing a wire for making electrical connection between the switch and a terminal of the ignition coil which may be located at a substantial distance from the switch. When. the proper key is inserted in the lock the switch may be turned on in order to connect the current source with the coil and 5 with the ignition timer and thus render the ignition system operative. Unauthorized use of the automobile is ordinarily guarded against by removal of the key from the look after the switch has been turned off.

The purpose of the lock switch of the prior art could be defeated by connecting a wire directly between the current source and the coil terminal referred to; therefore, it has been the practice to enclose this terminal by a portion of the coil case and a cap or cover with which the armored conduit is permanently connected. One example of such construction is found in my patent No. l,956,334 granted April 24, 1934. According to this patent, portions of the coil case are bent over against the cap in order to' secure the cap to the case and enclose the terminal and attached wire leading from the switch. While this construction makes theft of the car relatively diificult (except by use of a separate ignition coil),

it makes servicing of the installed ignition coil also relatively difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such a connection between the coil case and the terminal enclosing cap or cover as to facilitate detachment of the coil from the cap by an authorized agent equipped with the proper tools and familiar with a definite procedure while, at

the same time, providing a connection the separation of which by the uninitiated will be sufli- 5 ciently baffling to prevent theft.

In carying out this object, I provide a concealed lock for connecting together the case of the ignition coil and the cap of the lock switch unit. In the disclosed embodiment of my in- 50 vention this concealed lock becomes automatically effective as the result of sequential telescopic relative movement and rotary relative movement between the coil member and the cap member. The location of the lock is not apparent on the 5 5 exterior ofthe assembled parts and is known only to the authorized agent and can be manipulated only by the proper tool in order to free the coil from the cap. Furthermore, I provide for mounting the coil on a support in such manner that the concealed lock will be inaccessible even to an 5 authorized agent.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodi- 10 ment of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is essentially an elevational view, with certain parts shown in section, of the improved extension lock-switch ignition coil, and its 15 method of mounting by which the invention disclosed herein is perfected.

Fig. 2 is an elevational View with certain parts shown in section, the view being taken substantially as indicated by the arrow 2 of Fig. 1. 20

Fig. 3 is an elevational view similar to that of Fig. 1, but illustrating a modification of the mounting means.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the ignition coil and its mounting, substantially as indicated by the arrow 25 4 in Fig. 2, certain features of the invention being indicated in dotted lines.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ignition coil and its closing assembly, substantially as indicated by the line and arrows 5-5 of 3 Fi 2.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the ignition coil through its terminal compartment substantially as indicated by the line and arrows 6-6 of Fig. 5. 85

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary showing illustrating certain parts of Fig. 6 moved to the release position through the agency of an appropriate tool.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary detail of the lock means and release means, being a view substantially as 40 indicated by the line and arrows 88 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view in fragmentary showing of the parts completing the terminal compartment when assembled preparatory to lockable engagement.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view in elevation, with certain parts shown in section, illustrating the lockable relation of the assemblies, substantially as indicated by the line and arrows Ill-l0 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section, substantially as indicated by the line and arrows ll-ll of Fig. 6.

Figs. 12' to 20 inclusive, illustrate details of construction for a modified form of locking means,

in which Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through the closed terminal compartment, similar to Fig. 5.

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view, substantially as indicated by the line and arrows |3-l3 of Fig. 12, or substantially as indicated by the line and arrows l3l3 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary view with parts shown in section, illustrating on an enlarged scale details of the locking means.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the extended end of the coil assembly showing its preparation to receive a cover assemblyi;

Fig. 16 in an elevational view of the latch receiving shoulder or recess, and other details substantially as indicated by the arrow I6 01 Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional view of the latch receiving shoulder or recess, substantially as indicated by the line and arrow l 'l-|'I of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the retainer ring prior to being'fltted within the'end of the coil housing extension.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the coil closure assembly, and

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the latch ring, contributing to the cover assembly illustrated in Fig. 19, where it is shown secured in place.

Reference to the drawings will illustrate by what means the invention disclosed herein is perfected. At 5 is indicated a switch mechanism fitted with a lock' barrel 6 responsive to an appropriate key I for actuating the switch device, and iorsecuring the same in adesired circuit connection. It is customary to mount the lock switch upon a support 8, conveniently accessible to the operator of the vehicle, which in the illustrated; embodiment may be the instrument panel. The switch device is provided with a circuit terminal 9, to which a source of current, for instance a battery, is usually connected. A flexible armored conduit I0 is nondemountably secured to the switch device, and

encloses an electric insulated lead II ending with a terminal clip l2, adapted to be connected to a terminal of a coil assembly. The lock'switch and armored cable assembly thus far described is adequately disclosed in U. S. Patent 1,983,096

granted December 4-, 1934 to L.O. Parker, reference to which is here made for more complete disclosure 0! the details of construction.

The end of the armor remote from the lock switch is non-demountably secured to a coil cup or cover assembly l5, that is adapted for spring lock connection to a coil assembly as will be describedin detail in pages'to follow. The coil is mounted upon a support such as a motor block it, by an appropriate'bracket l1 and screws l8, and the flexible armor l0 extending between the lock switch and the cover assembly is of a length to just conveniently reach between the two, such that there may be no substantial flexing or stretching of the armor to permit relative rotation or other designed movement between the cover assembly l5 and the coil assembly 25 when the partshave been mounted in their operative relation. In the instance of Fig. 1, this installation includes passing the flexible armor l0 through an aperture in the bulk head or motor "board l9, where the intermediate portion of the conduit is supported by a noiseless packing such as a grommet 2B. This installation isparticularly' desirable where 'theflength of armor between the switch and coil is 'ofsubstantial length, 7

the latch of the locking device.

in that the bulk head support at the intermediate portion of the armor tends to prevent stretching or flexing of the armor, or other lateral swinging movement incident to rotating the cover assembly on the coil as mounted.

In Fig. 3 there is illustrated a modification oi the coil mounting means, in that the bracket i1 is secured by the screw devices l8 directly upon the bulk head IS. The grommet 20 in this instance is adjusted about the end of the armor l0 adjacent to its connection with the cover assembly I5. For this mounting, the bulk head I9 is provided with an opening 2|, of suflicient size to allow the passage of the largest part of the lock switch, and the grommet 20 being of yieldable or substantially live rubber, in the form of a disc or washer may be stretched over the lock and switch after that assembly is complete. The aperture therethrough is sufliciently small to closely and firmly embrace the armor H), in its free state. When the grommet has been set in position, it forms an intermediate support for the armor, and prevents rattling between relatively loose parts.

As hereinabove described, the cover assembly I5 is secured to the coil assembly 25 by a spring latch device responsive to telescopic movement of the two sub-assemblies. The spring latch means of the completed assembly is so situated with respect to the unit in its mounted relation, that the localized point of release is relatively non-accessible, and may be actuated for parting of the assemblies only upon removal of one of the units from its support. In the disclosed embodiment this localized point or connection or release is indicated in Figs. 2, 4, 6, 8, 13, 15 and 19 at the point designated R. It will be noted by reference to Figs. 2 and 4 that this point of release is situated between the support and the juncture of the armor III with the cover assembly l5. The point of release, access to which must be had in order to part the contributing assemblies is therefore inconveniently accessible, since there is only a limited amount of space available for inserting the proper tool, and hardly enough clearance for working the tool in order to raise Thus, it is made extremely difflcult for the would-be thief, or the unauthorized service agent to tamper with the device.

However, even should there be success upon inserting the tool at the point R, and even should the latch be successfully raised out of its recess, insufllcient relative rotation could be accomplished between the cover assembly I5 and the coil assembly 25 to permit parting of the unit, since the armor extended between the lock switch and the cover assembly is already substantially tight, and cannot be flexed sufliciently to accomplish the desired end. Thus, a construction and installation has been devised that will formtall substantially any unauthorized attempt to alter the ignition system. Much time is involved, and the problem becomes so diflicult for one not possessed of both the secrets of the procedure and the proper tools for manipulating the latch device, that an unauthorized person will give up the attempt in a very short time and before accomplishing any satisfactory result.

Figs. 5 to 11 inclusive illustrate details of construction of the coil assembly 25, and comprise a can 26 enclosing a primary winding 21, a secondary winding 28 both surrounded by an insulator 29 and magnetic material 30, carried by a bundle oi core wires 3|, supported at each end by appropriate insulators 32 and 33 mounted in opposite ends of the can 26, all of which is Well known to those experienced in the art. The insulator 32 is popularly known as the coil cap, and provides a distributor terminal 34 through which passes a nail 35 driven into the bundle of core wires 3|. The cap 32 also supports an insulated terminal 36 which usually has communication with an ignnition timer, and an interior connection by means of a lead 31 leading to the inside turn of the primary 2'! where juncture is made to the outside of the secondary 28 by means of a lead 38, the outside turn of the primary being joined with a lead 40 carried to a terminal 4| supported by the insulator 33 usually known as the coil base.

The can 26, or casing as it is sometimes called, has provisions, here including the circumferential ribs 42 and 43 rolled into the body of the can so as to engage one on either side of the coil base 33, thereby securing the coil base rigidly in position near one end of the casing so as to divide the casing into what may be called a coil compartment 44, and a terminal compartment or chamber 45. The can 26 is extended sufficiently beyond the partition or coil base to form the side walls of the terminal compartment, and this extension of the case which will be referred to roadly as 46 is notched appropriately to receive the cover or closure assembly I5. In main, the can extension 46 is notched at substantially diametric portions 41 and 48, each of which notches has a lateral or circumferential branch 49 and 50 respectively, simulating what is usually recognized as bayonet slots, and adapted to receive cooperating rivets, studs or lugs provided by the cover assembly. Regarding the elements of the extension thus far described, the can extension may be termed a retainer ring, and is a designation that is hereinafter used.

The case extension 46 is likewise deformed at some localized point as at R, to provide a locking shoulder or recess 5I adapted to receive a spring pressed latch member as will presently be described. It has been found desirable to locate this locking shoulder 5| adjacent one of the heretofore mentioned notches substantially as indicated in Fig. 8, and in the present instance is accomplished by depressing a portion of the can extension 46 from the outside inward toward the longitudinal axis of the coil.

The case extension may be further deformed so as to provide yieldable pressure pads 52, which in the present instance constitute bow like projections struck outwardly from the can extension 46 by making a pair of parallel slits leaving the end portions integrally connected with the can extension. The pressure pads 52 operate to take up all of the lost motion between the can extension and the cover assembly when the coupling is effected and thereby eliminate rattle that might otherwise obtain.

The cover assembly I5 is designedly fashioned to cooperate with the case extension 46 in forming a spring lock retaining means between the two, so that union of the two assemblies may be accomplished by telescopic movement of the two assemblies, or, as it may be more definitely stated, by sequential telescopic movement and partial relative rotation. It has been earlier stated that the armor ll! enclosing the insulated conductor II is non-demountably connected to the cover assembly I5, and this is accomplished as shown in the illustrated embodiment, by providing aferrulelike member 55 that may bewelded or brazed to the endof the armor I 0, and peened over or riveted after passing through the side wall 56 of a cuplike member 51 providing the essential part of the cover assembly I 5. Secured within the cup 5'! there is a latch ring 58 that carries a pair of diametrically situated bayonet portions or extensions that may comprise rivets 63 for cooperation with the bayonet slots 49 and 50 hereinbefore referred to. This latch ring is also provided with a flexing or spring tongue 6| integrally formed therewith and deflected so as to extend within the inner confines of the ring. The latch 6i is situated adjacent to one of the rivets 60 so as to be in cooperable relation with the shoulder or recess 5I of the retainer ring, when the parts have been moved to their locking relation. The latch ring may be secured Within the cup 51 in any desired manner, but it is here secured preferably by spot welding.

Figs. 12 to 20 inclusive illustrate a second form of the locking provisions between the coil assembly 25 and the cover assembly I5. The essential difference in the two forms resides in the can extension 46 forming the terminal chamber 45, as will readily be appreciated upon reference to Fig. 15 of the drawings. The cover assembly is substantially the same with the exception of the extensions from the latch ring 58, for here as will be apparent by reference to the element I60, the projections from the latch ring are integral parts thereof, since they are struck out from the body of the ring leaving apertures I62. The spring latch, for convenience is illustrated at l6I.

Reverting to the can extension of this second form, the same is notched at diametric points as at 41 and I46, and a separate retainer ring I46 is placed within the can extension 46 where it is pressed against the coil base 33 urging the same against the rib 42 of the can, while the terminating edge of the can. extension 46 is turned over the edge of the ring I46 to secure the same in place substantially as indicated at I46a. The ring is likewise provided with an enlarged aperture E63 that provides a shoulder portion I64 acting as a detent or latch recess for the spring tongue Ifil. Making for betterengagement between the retainer ring and the coil base 33, the ring is provided with extended portions I35 deflected toward the axis of the assembly so as to present an increased amount of engagement with the insulator 33. It is the retainer ring M6 that in this instance provides the retaining portions I49 andl5il of the bayonet slots, and they are so situated as to coincide with the notches I41 and I48 respectively in the can extension 46 when the same is assembled in place.

Aside from the deformations heretofore mentioned with respect to the notches I 41 and I43, the can extension 46 is otherwise detailed to provide the latch recess I5I- by forming a depression therein substantially coincident with the aperture I63 of the retainer-ring. The exact details of this deformation are illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17, and comprise a pair of aligned short slits I65 and S6! at which points the metal of the can extension 46 is severed so as to provide for deflection or depression of a body of metal to one side thereof as indicated at I66. This metal is depressed by reason of the fold lines indicated at am, I'll, 512, I13, I14 and I15 as depicted in Fig. 16 of the drawings. The result of this deformation is that illustrated in Fig. 17, where the depressed portion I68 is integrally connected by a tang I69 with the main body of the can extension 46. The tang I69 assures that the depressed portion I68 does not become so deformed as to allow the spring tongue or latch member 6| or I6I to-be projected throughor between the can extension 46. and the retainer ring I46, and also provides an exact abutment against which the latch tongue ISI may be engaged when the parts are in their locked position. Likewise, the depressed portion IBB, since it nests nicely within the aperture I63 of the retainer ring provides positioning means for properly assembling the casing, retainer ring and coil base, and precludes any deviation in properly locating the locking means. According to the desires, the can extension may also include the pressure pads 52 as has been earlier described in detail with respect to theflrst form.

With assembly units constructed according to the foregoing disclosure, provision is made for releasably locking the cover assembly IE to the coil assembly 25, so that the unauthorized person will have considerable difllculty in, if not be prevented from, parting the assemblies. Yet, one having the proper tools and information on the proper procedure, can as hebecomes dexterous in the manipulation, and not under the urgency of very limited period of time, successfully accomplish the parting of the assemblies without injury toeither. In making an installation, and before uniting the cover assembly with the coil assembly, the lock-switch with its attached armor and cover assembly is to be mounted in the desired or provided position substantially as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive. Then, the terminal clip I! is passed over the terminal 4| and secured in place by the usual nut I80. This having been completed the telescopic engagement of the cover assembly with the coil assembly is accomplished, which, in each of the disclosed embodiments constitutes pushing the cover assembly over the end of the can assembly in a straight line movement, during which operation the insulated conductor II and one of the extensions of the latch ring will pass along the wider notch of the can extension, and the other projection from the latch ring will pass along the narrower notch of the can extension.

When this hasbeen accomplished, partial rela- I tive rotation between the cover assembly and the coil assembly will cause the projections of the latch ring to move into the lateral extensions of notches in the retainer ring. Just about as this partial relative rotation is completed, the latch tongue will spring into the latch recess and engage the shoulder thereof, which will prevent reverse sequential movement, by which the assemblies might be parted. The locking connection being established, the coil assembly may then be mounted as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, and attached to the support by means of the devices I8. It will be observed that the latch means will be positioned adjacent the support where it is relatively inaccessible to the application of any tool that may be used in parting the contributing assemblies. a

When it is desired to part the assemblies a special tool, constituting a thin blade of steel fitted with an appropriate handle, is applied to the localized point or section of the cover coil connection, soas to pass between the can extension andthe latch tongue. However, due to the mounting of this coil assembly the tool cannot well be inserted at the localized point of covercoil relation until the coil has been removed from its, support. When the screw devices I8 have .been removed, the ,coilassembly may then be swung outwardly from its support by reason of the flexibility of the armor I0, and the tool may then be inserted. Reference is now made to Figs. 7 and 8, where a tool of the sort is indicated generally at T. In applying the tool it is necessary to select a point to the rear of the depressed portion of the can extension where the blade of the tool may be inserted beneath the spring tongue substantially as indicated at T in Fig. 8. The tool is thence moved along toward the free end of the spring tongue which raises the tongue from engagement with the shoulder SI and will permit reverse relative rotation of the cover assembly and the coil assembly, so as to move the extensions of the latch ring out of the lateral extensions of the bayonet slots. This being accomplished, the cover assembly may then be withdrawn from the coil assembly by a straight lineal movement, and access can then be had to the parts for servicing.

While the embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a lock-switch coil assembly, having a casing for the coil, and an armored cap enclosing a terminal and a connected lead, the combination comprising, an extension from the casing providing bayonet slots and. having a latch receiving recess, a ring secured within the cap and adapted to closely surround the housing extension for enclosing the terminal and lead, inwardly projecting portions carried by the ring adapted to engage in the bayonet slots, and a spring latch carried .by the ring and adapted to be self actuated into the latch recess when the projecting portions of the ring are received by the bayonet slots, said spring latch materially increasing the resistance of casing and cap separation.

2. In a lock-switch coil assembly, having a casing for the coil, and an armored cap enclosing a terminal and a connected lead, the combination comprising, a case extension, a reinforcing ring secured within the case extension and having bayonet slots, and alatch receiving recess, a latch ring secured within the cap and adapted to closely engage about the case extension for enclosing the terminal and connected lead, said latch ring having provisions engaging within the bayonet slots, and providing an integrally formed resilient tongue inwardly flexed to fall in the latch receiving recess when the said provisions are seated within the bayonet slots.

3. In a lock-switch coil unit, having a case extension, and a cap telescopically engaging the case extension for enclosing a terminal, the combination with said cap of a latch ring secured thereto for engaging the case extension, said latch ring having lateral projections adapted to engage within receiving portions of the case extension, and a resilient tongue integrally connected with the body of the ring and adapted to engage a receiving portion of the case extension when the cap and case are fully engaged, whereby separation of the case and cap is normally prevented.

4. In a lock-switch coil unit, having a case extension, and a cap with lock and retaining portions telescopically engaging the case extension for enclosing a terminal, the combination with said case extension of a retainer ring, means securing the ring within the case extension, said case extension having cut-out portions, and said ring having bayonet slots in substantial registry with the case cut-outs, said cut-outs and slots being adapted to receive retaining portions of the cap, and a lock shoulder being provided by the case extension and ring adapted to receive a lock portion of said cap.

5. In a lock-switch coil unit, having a case extension, and a cap with lock and retaining portions telescopically engaging the case extension for enclosing a terminal, the combination with said case extension of a retainer ring, means securing the ring within the case extension, said case extension having cut-out portions, and said ring having bayonet slots in substantial registry with the case cut-outs, said cut-outs and slots being adapted to receive retaining portions of the cap, means including an aperture of the ring and a depressed portion of the case extension providing a lock recess adapted to receive a lock portion of the cap, said depressed portion of the case extension coinciding with the ring aperture and having a pair of aligned slits in registry with an edge of the ring aperture providing a lock shoulder adapted to be engaged by a lock portion of the cap, and means including a tang extending between the slits and integrally connecting the main body of the case extension and the depressed portion, preventing the lock portion of the cap being inserted between the ring and case extension.

6. In a lock switch coil unit, having a case extension, and a cap with lock and retaining portions telescopically engaging the case extension for enclosing a terminal, the combination with said case extension of a retainer ring having cutout portions, some of which provide bayonet slots, means securing the ring within the case extension, said case extensions having cutout portions in substantial registry with the bayonet slots and having a portion thereof depressed into another of the ring cutouts to provide a lock receiving recess having a lock engaging shoulder, there being a tongue of metal of the case extending across the shoulder to prevent a lock portion of the cap entering between the ring and case extension, said cutouts and slots being adapted to receive the lock and retainer portions of the cap for effecting a concealed locking assembly.

LESLIE O. PARKER. 

